Joan Joyce Novak

Joan Joyce Novak, 81, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Lexington Regional Health Center.

She was born on April 27, 1944, in Cozad, Nebraska, to William and Vera (Earll) Brock. She attended public school in Cozad and graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1962. After graduation, Joan began working at Tenneco, where she dedicated over forty years to the company before retiring. On May 2, 1985, Joan was united in marriage to her sweetheart, Joe Novak in Lexington. They spent forty wonderful years by each other's side dancing, traveling, and going on the "occasional" trips to the casinos.

Joan loved to read and work on her crossword puzzles. She was a big football fan and always cheered on the Huskers and Broncos. If she wasn't watching sports, she would watch her favorite game shows, all while she was listening to the scanner. Joan enjoyed spending her days with her family and always held a special place in her heart for her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her special fur baby, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Joe Novak of Lexington; children, Marty Gutierrez of Johnson Lake, Mark (Susan) Gutierrez of Lexington, Michelle Worm of Lexington, Monica (Jess) Lambert of Arapahoe, and Benjamin (Jackie) Gutierrez of Wyoming, Renee Novak of Johnson Lake and Tracy (Rob) Anderson of Lincoln; grandchildren, Cody Gutierrez, Cole Gutierrez, Matteya Gutierrez, Justen Gutierrez, Shania Lundell, Nathan Refior, Natasha Stearns, Dana Pike, Desiree Ceballos, Broderick Pike, Benjamin Gutierrez, Christopher Gutierrez, Daniel Gutierrez, Adrianna Gutierrez, Linsey Novak, Ashley Colburn, Jade Barela, Rett Bellamy, and Cory Bellamy; thirty three great-grandchildren; siblings, Sharon Christensen of Kearney, Delbert (Linda) Brock of Cozad, and Cliff Brock of Gothenburg; sisters-in law, Gladyce Bouc of Lincoln, and Joette Novak of Brainard, Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Joan was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Kayla Novak; sister, Jeanette (Bill) McKown; brothers-in-law, Val Samek, Donnie Novak, Bob Bouc and Eddie Christensen; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Brock.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Rex Adams officiating. The service will be live-streamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials are kindly suggested to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com